Metro hopes riders climb aboard the love train

Single-and-looking passengers headed to and from downtown Los Angeles can take their shot at love when Metro hosts a speed-dating event on Valentine’s Day.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Red Line riders 18 years and older can hop on a specially decorated car to connect with a possible soul mate.

“This is part of Metro’s campaign to make public transportation more fun and connect with our riders,” said spokeswoman Anna Chen.

Chen said the idea formed after Metro staff heard of a campaign in Philadelphia, where riders could share their personal stories of amour on Valentine’s Day.

Those interested in participating can register Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at any one of the stations between North Hollywood and Union Station. They’ll need to pay the standard fare or have a Metro pass and will be given a wristband.

Riders heading toward North Hollywood station will board the last car of each train, while those heading downtown will take the first car. Metro staff will be on hand in safety vests to facilitate the event, and each of the designated cars will be decorated with red hearts.

At two-minute intervals, the traveling hopefuls can switch seats or even hop off and wait to try again on the next train.

“We thought lunch hour would be good, because it’s a Friday and lots of people go out to lunch on Fridays,” Chen said. “We’re encouraging people to meet as many people as possible.”

Coupons for local business will also be dispersed, so that on the chance Cupid’s arrow does strike, the love birds can step out for lunch at a discount.

And for those uninterested or already attached, there’s a good opportunity for a selfie with a famous cheeky cherub, Chen said. “We’ll have Metro Cupids on the Red Line, so if you see them, you can take a picture with them.”